Exploring sexual and reproductive health and rights among women who use illegal drugs in Australia

An estimated 30,000 Australian women inject drugs, but we know little about their health priorities and use of healthcare services, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health. 

Burnet conducted an exploratory qualitative study in 2023. The aim was to start addressing the gap in evidence on the sexual and reproductive health needs of women who use illegal drugs.

This study was an initiative of the MIXMAX cohort studies.

Download the full report or read a summary below.

Schroeder, S., Petrovic, B., Walker, S., Gibbs, D., Colledge-Frisby, S., Wilkinson, A., Winter, R., & Stewart, A. (2023). Exploring sexual and reproductive health and rights among women who use illegal drugs in Australia. Burnet Institute. https://doi.org/10.82213/pz91-qf71

The criminalisation of drug use means people who use drugs experience social and health-related harm.

These harms include: 

• poverty 
• unstable housing 
• incarceration  
• physical injury 
• insufficient preventive and primary care 
• communicable and non-communicable diseases 
• marginalisation, stigma, and discrimination from the community and healthcare providers.  

Women are at higher risk of poor social and health outcomes because of gender bias built into our systems and society. They are also more likely to experience discrimination and violence. 

This means that women who use illegal drugs face the compounding effects of gender and drug use.   

Study findings 

Our study highlights aspects of sexual and reproductive health and healthcare access unique to women who use drugs. Women generously shared their stories about sensitive aspects of their lives. Listening to women, and highlighting their strengths and capabilities, is critical to inform next steps.   

Women shared experiences of navigating a complex, often siloed, and discriminatory healthcare system. Women’s sexual and reproductive health needs overlapped with addiction and drug treatment, general primary care, oral health, and infectious diseases.   

The need for comprehensive, accessible and understandable information relevant to age and stage of life in a variety of mediums was stark. Women expressed a need for a trusted source of information and a trusted, consistent, healthcare provider or service.  

This study highlights that women urgently need comprehensive healthcare, co-located healthcare providers and/or multidisciplinary providers.  

Women want sexual health and reproductive health information that recognises and includes the context of drug use.   

Opportunities for further studies 

Gaps remain in the evidence needed to respond to the needs of women who use drugs, particularly younger women and pregnant women. Understanding their health needs is a critical next step. 

Acknowledgment

Jean Hailes for Women's Health provided seed funding for this project.